The scammers call customers and say their home or business is scheduled to be disconnected for nonpayment, and that they must wire the payment to a certain account.

They appear to be calling outside normal business hours.

"Our customers should understand that we will never call them outside of normal working hours to collect past due balances," said Keys Energy CEO and General Manager Lynne Tejeda. To verify a call, contact Keys Energy at 305-295-1000 and ask to speak with a customer services representative, she advised.

A local convenience store was called in the early morning hours from an 855 area code, the press release says. Employees realized the call was not legitimate, the utility said.

KEY WEST

Orchid Society meets

The Key West Orchid Society will meet at 1 p.m. Sunday at the West Martello Fort, 1100 Atlantic Blvd., near its intersection with White Street.

President Jay Pfahl will present a program featuring orchids that grow especially well in the Florida Keys. Pfahl has traveled widely in South America to capture the more notable varieties, which aren't ordinarily seen here, but grow well here, the press release notes.

The meeting also will mark the last call for those who want to join the May 17 bus trip to the Redland International Orchid Festival, the largest in North America.

FLORIDA KEYS

Beaches test OK for bacteria

The Monroe County Health Department's water-quality tests this week showed none of the county's beaches had high levels of bacteria. Last week's health advisory for John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo, was lifted.

Fecal coliform and enteric bacteria are normally found in the intestinal tract of humans and other warm-blooded animals.

The Health Department says high levels may come from runoff or sewage from pets, wild animals or humans. It can cause disease, infections or rashes. Don't swim in the water if a warning is issued.

For more information, visit http://www.doh.state.fl.us, click on A-Z Topics, then choose Beach Water Quality, or call 305-293-1653.